Potatoes

Potatoes are usually grown from seed potatoes that are chitted indoors from late January to February. Planting typically takes place from late March to early May once the soil has warmed and frost risk is lower. There are three main groups: first earlies (planted late March–early April and harvested June–July), second earlies (planted early–mid April and harvested July–August), and maincrop potatoes (planted mid April–early May and harvested September–October). Potatoes grow best in full sun for 6–8 hours per day and need well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.

Plants should be spaced about 30–40 cm apart with rows 60–75 cm apart to allow good growth and airflow. As the plants grow, soil should be earthed up around the stems to protect developing tubers from light and frost. Potatoes are not frost hardy, so young shoots may need protection in early spring. With regular watering during tuber formation and good soil conditions, you can harvest early potatoes in about 10–13 weeks and maincrop potatoes in 18–20 weeks, making them a reliable and productive crop for home gardens.